Greenfield home deaths, carbon monoxide found

GREENFIELD, Wis. - Two men were found dead in their Greenfield home after a carbon monoxide leak on Wednesday, Jan. 17.

Investigators say there were no working detectors inside the home.  

Around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, first responders found the two deceased men, along with elevated levels of carbon monoxide in their home.

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Firefighters said the incident could have been prevented.

"When you go to something like this, it’s just a real tragedy," said Devin Shade of the Greenfield Fire Department.

Fire crews said it’s a tragedy they do not encounter often.

Units responded to a report of a gas leak at the home near 72nd and Plainfield and found elevated levels of carbon monoxide – and no natural gas leak – upon arrival.

"We did find high levels of CO and two deceased victims," said Lt. Shannon Richter.

Crews also found 34-year-old Nicholas Borth and 61-year-old Ryan Borth dead in their home.

"There were no carbon monoxide detectors in the house, and if they were they would have been alarming a low level of exposure, and would’ve notified the homeowners," Richter said.

Richter said carbon monoxide detectors will let you know if there is a potential leak in your home before it turns deadly.

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"We see a lot more carbon monoxide incidents in the winter, because of people running their furnaces and stuff," Richter said.

Crews now say it’s even more important.

"Making sure the batteries are changed, the CO detector is not expired," Shade said. "[....] Having a working one could have made a difference."

Signs of exposure to carbon monoxide usually appear to be flu-like. One way to tell if you have been exposed is if your symptoms disappear or improve when you go outside.

However, first responders say it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and call 9-1-1 if you feel there is a leak.